One of the world’s most luxurious materials, silk is a natural protein fiber produced by insects and cultivated most commonly in China and India. It is one of the most coveted fabrics in the world, and also one of the most difficult to clean. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.
Wool
Wool is a natural fiber produced by sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas. Wool is very soft and highly insulating, but it requires a decent amount of care to remain in mint condition.
Linen
Linen is a fiber made from the flax plant. Though labor-intensive to make, the fabric is extremely light and breathable. Linen is a go-to fabric for hot weather, and are an ideal choice for spring and summer. Linen is extremely susceptible to wrinkles, so extra care should be taken to hang linen ties on a tie rack whenever they are not being cleaned or worn.
Cotton
Cotton fibers are derived from the cotton plant. Cotton is very durable and dries quickly. However, it also wrinkles easily and will shrink when introduced to heat, so be careful.
Seersucker
Seersucker is a fabric that was originally created in India and named for its unique texture, said to resemble the smoothness of milk and the roughness of sugar. The fabric is lightweight, typically made from cotton, and is easy to care for.
Knit
Knit ties are crafted with 100% durable microfibers, and give any outfit a unique, contemporary, and classic edge.Microfiber
Microfiber is a synthetic fiber that is very elastic and known for its moisture-wicking capabilities. Microfiber ties are very soft to the touch and similar to silk–but much easier to clean.Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material that is similar to cotton but even more durable. It is wrinkle-resistant, water-resistant, quick to dry, and it will not shrink.
Faux Leather
Faux leather is cheaper, more durable, and more versatile than genuine leather. It provides a very similar texture to that of real leather, making it a more cost-effective alternative.
Removing Wrinkles and Stains
Cleaning a stain from a tie is neither fun nor easy. Our first advice would be to exercise caution when wearing a tie to avoid accidents in the first place. If you do get a stain, act as quickly as possible. Blot the stain on your tie with a cloth immediately — never try to rub it out, though, as that will make the stain harder to remove. If the stain is water-soluble, use seltzer water or club soda on the tie as you are blotting. If the stain is oil-based, apply talcum powder or cornstarch immediately to lift the stain off the tie. Let the powder sit for a few hours and then brush it off and clean with a soft cloth. Depending on the stain, you may need to repeat this process one or two more times to completely lift the stain. If you have tried all of these steps and the pesky stain is still hanging around, then take it to the dry cleaners. Be sure to specifically ask that they do not press your ties, which can cause their rolled edges to flatten and lose shape.
